Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue in Kansas City is America’s Best BBQ

In a city known for its’ barbeque, one restaurant stands out among the rest: Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbeque. Not only was it voted the “Most Popular Restaurant in Kansas City” by the 2012 prestigious Zagat’s Survey of America’s Best Restaurants, but it has been consistently named the “Highest Rated BBQ” in the country by Zagat as well.

With honors like that where else would we choose to dine on our first night in Kansas City but at Jack Stack’s?

Even arriving as early as 6:00 p.m., there was a 30-minute wait for a table. That’s always a good sign in our book and means the place is worth the wait. The fireplace lounge area was full as well, so we ordered drinks from the bar and took them out on the patio. Our six-year-old, Reagan was given a coloring sheet and crayons which is a necessity for her, and for us.

Once seated at our table, we were able to take in the rustic romance of this upscale dining establishment at the historic converted Freight House. Stucco, brick and dark wood are softly illuminated by magnificent cowboy lantern chandeliers hung from the rafters of the 25-foot ceilings. We settled into our menus, pouring over the options knowing none could be wrong.

Our hostess for the evening highly recommended the Crown Prime Beef Ribs and Burnt Ends. We learned burnt ends are considered a delicacy and a traditional part of Kansas City barbeque. They’re cut from the point half of a smoked brisket after cooking it, and then cooked even longer to the point where at least one side becomes charred. They were absolutely delicious and so flavorful! As were the Crown Prime Beef Ribs. I had just a bite of each from my husband, Danny’s plate. He ordered a Signature dish known as Jack’s Best which also came with Baby Back Ribs.

I’m a huge rib fan and couldn’t pass up the Kansas City Combo, which offered a combination of two items including pork, beef or lamb ribs. Pork and beef it was along with fries and coleslaw. The ribs were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of tenderness and sweet and tangy sauce.

Danny and I split Jack Stack’s famous Cheesy Corn Bake and Cheesy Potato Bake we had heard so much about. The Cheesy Corn Bake was as creamy as it was cheesy and the Potato Bake had just the right amount of crust to it. Definite musts when you go.

I wish I could tell you Reagan was a barbeque fan too, because Jack Stack’s Kid’s Menu offers kids almost as many tasty barbeque options as the adults, and I would’ve loved for her to try something new. Alas, she stuck with a hot dog. No bun. But, just like everything else, it was still cooked over a gourmet hickory fire.

Before our entrees, we enjoyed the Grilled Jumbo Shrimp. Moist enough to melt in your mouth with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning which only heightened the hickory flavor.

We really didn’t have room for it, but were told not to pass on Mom’s Carrot Cake. So we didn’t. Served warm with a melted cream cheese frosting and just the right amount of walnuts on top. And two spoons. Though I could’ve eaten it all by myself.

When in Kansas City, if you eat at only one place, make it Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbeque and you will have done barbeque in Kansas City right.

About The Author

Christina and her family take advantage of her husband's airline employee standby privileges whenever and wherever they can. Even flying as far as Denver to Dubai and back on standby passes. Traveling across the country is currently taking a back seat to discovering all there is to see and do in beautiful Florida though. But, with Orlando as their jumping off point, more travels to new destinations are never off the table!